In late-May, the city parks department announced that 11 blocks of Rockaway Beach, much to the disappointment of residents, would be closed this summer in order to preserve protective sand dunes that were built to provide inland flood protection.

But starting Saturday, the city has opened a small section.

Soaking in the sun and enjoying the company of friends Saturday, Louis Wico Enrique said he was stoked that at least one section of Rockaway Beach reopened after high tide, allowing beachgoers to get their dose of sand and surf.

"Jump in the water, refresh, have fun and enjoy the day," the Rockaway resident said.

The city parks department had announced that the area between Beach 91st St. and Beach 102nd St. would be closed during the summer season. Officials said the sand dunes, which were built after Hurricane Sandy, are in that portion of the beach.

Beach season runs from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day, after which point city beaches will be closed to the public again.

Parks officials said the erosion had whittled down the beach to the point that there is not enough space for people to safely go through it or safely swim in the water.

Part of the beach in front of the concession stand and bathrooms at 97th St. would remain open, officials said, but people would not be allowed to enter the water.

While other beach entrances are closed to protect sand dunes from damage, the stretch between Beach 96th and 98th Streets has been reopened for business because there are no sand dunes in that portion of the beach. Swimming in the water will be allowed on a trial basis, according to parks department officials.

• Heat Advisory in effect for New York City, temperatures reach into the 90s

It's a sigh for relief for small businesses on the boardwalk, like the La Fruteria Shack. It saw fewer customers when its section of beachfront was closed before.

"The other side was much more busy and this side was not as busy," employee Taka Imamura said. "So we are happy that it is open!"

But others still weren't too pleased that the entire 11 blocks weren't open, leaving many beachgoers pacing up and down the boardwalk.

"We are a little bit confused because there are no signs which area is open for service and which one is actually for the people," Rockaway resident Margaret Rega said.

"I came all the way here, left early, and now the beach is closed," Beachgoer Christina Diavonzo said.

An inconvenience, as many looked to take a dip in the cool water Saturday amid temperatures above 90 degrees.